Method of unitizing packages by means of a stretchable adhesive tape

Abstract

Means for unitizing objects, e.g., packages, through the use of a stretchable, detackifiable, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. In the preferred embodiment, the tape comprises a highly extensible, substantially non-recoverable backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. This tape has the dual capability of (1) being capable of being firmly bonded to a substrate and (2) being detackified after being stretched.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of unitizing at least two objects that are arranged in one or more tiers, at least one of said tiers comprising at least one object, said method comprising the steps of: (1) providing a stretchable, detackifiable pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having (1) a backing having a Young's modulus of at least about 2,500 psi but less than about 100,000 psi, a lengthwise elongation at break of at least about 150% and low recovery, (2) said backing bearing a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon;   (2) adhering a first small portion of said tape to a small portion of one of said objects;   (3) stretching said tape sufficiently to detackify the portion thereof not adhered to said one of said objects;   (4) wrapping said detackified portions of said tape around at least two of said objects; and   (5) adhering a second portion of said tape to a small portion of one of said objects, whereby said objects are capable of resisting mechanical handling and vibration of said arranged objects.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said objects are arranged in at least two tiers. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2, wherein said tape is wrapped around all of said objects on at least one of said tiers. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein said objects comprise packages having at least six sides. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein said tape is wrapped in a direction substantially parallel to the plane formed by the uppermost surfaces of said objects. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein said tape is wrapped in a direction substantially non-parallel to the plane formed by the uppermost surfaces of said objects. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1, wherein said tape is wrapped in both a direction substantially parallel to the plane formed by the uppermost surfaces of said objects and a direction substantially non-parallel to the plane formed by the uppermost surfaces of said objects. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one stretched and wrapped portion of said tape crosses over at least another stretched and wrapped portion of said tape. 
     
     
       9. A method of closing and securing a package comprising the steps of: (1) providing a stretchable, detackifiable pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having (i) a backing having a Young's modulus of at least about 2,500 psi but less than about 100,000 psi, a lengthwise elongation at break of at least about 150% and low recovery, (2) said backing bearing a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon;   (2) adhering a first small portion of said tape to a small portion of said package;   (3) stretching said tape sufficiently to detackify the portion thereof not adhered to said package;   (4) wrapping said detackified portion at least partially around said package; and (5) adhering a second small portion of said tape to a small portion of said package, whereby said package is capable of remaining closed and secured.     
     
     
       10. The method of claim 8, wherein said package has at least six sides. 
     
     
       11. A method of unitizing a plurality of objects comprising the steps of: (1) providing a stretchable, detackifiable pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having (1) a backing having a Young's modulus of at least about 2,500 psi but less than about 100,000 psi, a lengthwise elongation at break of at least about 150% and low recovery, (2) said backing having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon;   (2) adhering a first small portion of said tape to a small portion of at least one of said objects;   (3) stretching said tape sufficiently to detackify the portion thereof not adhered to said object;   (4) wrapping said detackified portion of said tape around said plurality of said objects; and   (5) adhering a second portion of said tape to a small portion of at least one of said objects, whereby said plurality of said objects is unitized in the form of a bundle.